Kokum plant juice is not only refreshing and delicious to drink but has a number of health and nutritional benefits. In addition, it has uses in pharmaceuticals. It is a bright red fruit that turns deep purple when it ripens, and it can either be eaten or made into juice. The outer skin is sun-dried and used as a souring agent. Its seeds are pressed for oil, which is used to make chocolate and sugar confections.
Let’s understand the nutritional value of kokum juice and the 13 ways it can benefit your health!
What is Kokum Juice
Kokum is a fruit-bearing tree from the mangosteen family, Garcinia Indica. It is native to the tropical regions of Asia and Africa. It is cultivated in other regions on a small scale. In India, there are 35 known species, 17 of which are endemic. Seven of them are native to the Western Ghats, six to Andaman and Nicobar, and four to India's northeast.
Nutritional Value of Kokum Juice
Kokum juice is a powerhouse of nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B3, and minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, and zinc. It also contains a good amount of folic acid, ascorbic acid, hydroxycitric acid, acetic acid and fibre.
Kokum Juice Benefits
1) Kokum juice benefits for skin
Kokum juice is great for the skin since it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. The juice of kokum has both these properties, and therefore its consumption can make your skin soft, radiant and supple.
Kokum is rich in the enzyme elastase, which reduces elastin. The skin remains firm and healthy owing to this.
2) Kokum juice benefits for the heart
Heart disease is known to be among the biggest reasons for high mortality rates around the world. It affects both men and women. Heart trouble could result from a build-up of plaque in the arteries to angina, arrhythmia, or stroke.
Kokum is known to be a marvellous cardiotonic which reduces the levels of triglyceride and brings down the risks which are linked to coronary heart disease. Polyphenols such as hydroxycitric acids and garcinol, the active ingredient in kokum, are known to protect the heart due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
3) Kokum juice helps in fighting cancer
Kokum juice can prevent cancer because the element garcinol in kokum inhibits the growth of cancerous cells. It is an anti-carcinogenic element that helps prevent pancreatic, prostate, and breast cancer.
Cancer is caused by the abnormal proliferation of cells that invade other parts of the body. The mutated cells divide rapidly to destroy healthy tissue. Any ingredient which is anti-carcinogenic, such as garcinol, will stop these cells from proliferating further.
4) Kokum juice alleviates anxiety and depression
Anxiety and fatigue are on the rise with working parents, stressful jobs, relationship issues, and financial burdens.
Low serotonin levels in the body are associated with anxiety. Serotonin is found in the brain, blood, and bowels. It is associated with feelings and mood regulation. The hydroxycitric acids in kokum can increase this hormone.
5) It Regulates Blood Sugar
Blood sugar levels are known to be reduced by drinking kokum juice. Diabetes is a slow killer which affects all the major organs in the body. Combined with excessive oxidation and high body fat, the body deteriorates at a faster rate. Kokum juice can fight this since it has high levels of antioxidant Vitamin C in it.
6) Kokum juice helps Protect the Liver
Kokum juice reduces the levels of heat in the body. It slows down oxidative degeneration of the body’s lipids and protects the liver from deterioration and toxic chemicals.
7) Inflammation is kept at bay
Organ inflammation in the body is associated with a higher risk of cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease. Kokum juice has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect on the body. This is due to the presence of phenolic compounds in the fruit.
8) Oxidative stress in the body is reduced
Kokum juice performs the compelling task of fighting oxidative stress in the body. Body cell oxidation causes it to age, and this leads to the body’s organs deteriorating. The antioxidant properties in kokum are known to prevent free radicals from causing damage to skin cells.
9) Reduces Gastric Ulcer and damage
Anti-inflammatory drugs, spicy food and alcohol substantially increase the stomach acids and increase ulceration. Kokum fights the bacteria that cause inflammation and ulcer in the stomach.
10) It helps in losing weight
Kokum juice helps in losing weight. Hydroxy-citric acid in the kokum juice causes your stomach to feel full and thereby reduces overeating.
Kokum Sharbat Recipe
Ingredients -
- 200 g Dry Kokum
- 4 cups Water
- 200 g Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Black salt
- 1 teaspoon Cardamom Powder
- 1 teaspoon Roasted Cumin Powder
- Salt to taste
Method -
- For 1-2 hours, soak the dry kokum in 4 cups of water.
- Mash it up nicely and strain it.
- Heat the leftover Kokum in a pan.
- Add sugar, black and regular salt, roasted cumin powder, cardamom powder, and cardamom pods.
- Simmer for 6-8 minutes until sugar melts.
- Then add the Kokum water to the pan and bring it to a boil. Cook for another five minutes. Take the pan off the heat and let it cool. Put the mixture in a glass bottle and store it in the refrigerator.
- To make the sherbet, combine 3 tablespoons of kokum concentrate with chilled water.
- Add a few ice cubes to the glass.
- Serve chilled
Side effects of Kokum juice
People with a severe skin allergy should avoid using kokum because it is beneficial mainly for skin inflammations that are mild in nature.
Milk products and kokum should not be consumed simultaneously. Since Kokum is sour, it can negatively affect the gut if taken with milk. You should have a one-hour gap between the consumption of Kokum and milk.
People who suffer from high BP should avoid taking Kokum in huge amounts. Be mindful of these kokum juice side effects.
Summing up on Kokum Juice Benefits
If you want well-rounded health, you must incorporate Kokum juice benefits into your daily routine. You will not be disappointed!
Also Read: Kokum Butter | For Soft Skin
FAQs
1) When to Drink Kokum Juice?
Although there is no definite time to drink Kokum juice, it is best to have Kokum Juice on an empty stomach early morning for reaping maximum benefits.
2) Is Kokum Good for Weight Loss?
Yes, Kokum juice is good for weight loss. The hydroxy-citric acid in kokum juice causes your stomach to feel full, which prevents you from overeating.
3) Is Kokum Good for Acidity?
Yes, Kokum may be useful in managing acidity due to the presence of certain active compounds. Simply add sugar, salt, and chilled water to dried Kokum to make delicious kokum sherbet to relieve acidity.
4) Is It Safe to Drink Kokum Juice During Pregnancy?
Due to its excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, kokum juice can be beneficial to pregnant women and the growing foetus when consumed in moderation. Because it is rich in manganese, potassium, and other trace minerals, it helps in the appropriate development of the baby.
